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Illusions in Shadows class

Shadow or illusion knitting is a garter ridge stitch fabric that has an observable pattern when viewed from a specific oblique direction. When viewed directly, it mimics two-row stripes. It is an easy, fun, and mysterious way to add patterns to otherwise plain projects, especially garter stitch. Included bonus material is my solution for working this fabric reversibly.

The tiger and zebra patterns are both by Steve Plummer. You can buy them in his Ravelry store here. If you want to browse his offerings for patterns that are the same size and could be worked reversibly, size information is here.

Skill level is competent beginner. The bonus material is intermediate to advanced.
Prerequisite: Students should already know knit, purl, stockinette, and garter.

What you will learn:
how to work shadow knitting
how to design your own shadow knit patterns
how to follow charts for shadow knitting
how to work this fabric reversibly

Maximum 20 students.

½ day workshop.

Students receive a handout in booklet form.

No materials fee.

No homework.

Supplies:
  • class yarn (smooth, non-splitting) in 2 contrasting colors — colors similar in hue and/or value will make the illusion less pronounced
  • appropriate-sized needles for working stockinette and garter firmly (not loosely) in this yarn
  • possibly stitch markers
  • possibly highlighter tape or magnetic board, as we will be working from a chart

I bring several swatches with me.

obverse and reverse of a reversible swatch with different patterns

No special needs for the room set up. A whiteboard or flip chart is nice to have but not need to have. I have a projector if the facilities can accommodate it. Room set-up should be tables and chairs either facing forward or in a U-shape.

This class has been taught at:
South Carolina Knit Inn 2020, Greenville SC;
Fiberworld 2021, online;
Pittsburgh Creative Arts Festival 2021, Pittsburgh, PA;
STITCHES Expo at Home October 2021, online;
Southeastern Animal Fiber Fair 2021, Fletcher NC;
Blue Ridge Fiber Fest 2022, Sparta, NC;
Shenandoah Valley Fiber Festival 2023, Berryville VA.

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